Democracy: the basics

In short: Democracy means rule by the people: citizens decide directly or through elected representatives who governs. It rests on free elections, fundamental rights, rule of law and protection of minorities.

In more detail: The word comes from Greek (demos = people, kratos = rule) (antikes-griechenland-und-die-demokratie).

In detail

• Representative democracy: The people elect deputies who pass laws (Germany).
• Direct democracy: Citizens decide themselves, for example in referendums (Switzerland).
• Features: Free and secret elections, majority principle, separation of powers (gewaltenteilung-legislative-exekutive-judikative).
• Fundamental rights: Freedom of speech, assembly and the press (grundgesetz-und-grundrechte).
• Opposition: Scrutinises the government and offers alternatives.
• Rule of law: State action is bound by law.
• Threats: Disinformation, populism, falling turnout.
• Taking part: Voting, parties, initiatives, volunteering (wahlen-und-wahlsystem-in-deutschland).